Fluorescence observation method and fluorescence observation device

Abstract

This fluorescence observation method is a method of observing a living organism into which a fluorescent dye is injected. The method includes the steps of: irradiating the living organism with excitation light including a wavelength for exciting the fluorescent dye using a light irradiation means, acquiring a first fluorescence image of the living organism generated by the irradiation with the excitation light using an image acquisition means, specifying an observation object in the living organism on the basis of the first fluorescence image; acquiring a second fluorescence image of the observation object generated by the irradiation with the excitation light using the image acquisition means; and specifying a linear fluorescence pattern appearing in the second fluorescence image.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for massaging a living organism, the method comprising:
 injecting a fluorescent dye into the living organism; 
 protecting an injection portion using a tape or an adhesive plaster after the injection of the fluorescent dye; 
 irradiating the living organism with excitation light including a wavelength for exciting the fluorescent dye using a light source; 
 capturing a first fluorescent image generated from the fluorescent dye introduced into a lymphatic vessel by the irradiation with the excitation light using an image sensor; 
 displaying the first fluorescent image to specify a lymphedema portion; 
 capturing a second fluorescent image generated from the fluorescent dye introduced into the lymphatic vessel by the irradiation with the excitation light using the image sensor, before the fluorescent dye is circulated in a lymphatic drainage path, the second fluorescent image having no fluorescence pattern corresponding to the lymphatic drainage path; 
 capturing a third fluorescent image generated from the fluorescent dye introduced into the lymphatic vessel by the irradiation with the excitation light using the image sensor, after the fluorescent dye is circulated in the lymphatic drainage path; 
 comparing the second fluorescent image and the third fluorescent image to specify the lymphatic drainage path; and 
 massaging the living organism from the lymphedema portion to the lymphatic drainage path.